The lack of mature women on screen is mirrored by a lack of women in leadership roles behind the camera: Beyond the Stereotypes: The Reality of Aging Women in Films
Recent studies, including reports from the Geena Davis Institute and the Center for the Study of Women in Television & Film , indicate that mature women (ages 40-50+) remain significantly underrepresented and stereotyped in the entertainment industry. While there have been high-profile wins for actresses like Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman, systemic ageism continues to limit roles and visibility for the broader population of older female performers.
: A 2025 study found that menopause is almost non-existent in film; out of 225 movies with leading women over 40, only 6% even mentioned it , often as a joke.
Reports consistently find that when mature women are shown, their depictions are often limited or negative:
: In the 50+ age bracket, male characters outnumber females significantly: 80% to 20% in films and 75% to 25% in broadcast TV. Portrayals and Stereotypes
: Only one in four films pass the "Ageless Test," which requires at least one female character over 50 who is essential to the plot and not defined by ageist stereotypes. Behind the Scenes Employment